When Hazel Kim first started working full-time at 24, she felt overwhelmed by bills, savings goals, and unexpected expenses. “I didn’t know where my money was going every month,” she admits. “It felt like I was working just to stay afloat.”
That changed when she started using personal finance apps to gain control. “Technology really helped me simplify everything,” Hazel says. “Once I found the right tools, I felt empowered instead of stressed.”
Hazel’s favorite app for budgeting is You Need a Budget (YNAB). “It completely changed how I view money. It forces me to give every dollar a job, and now I plan ahead rather than react to financial surprises,” she explains. She also loves how it encourages users to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
To track her expenses automatically, Hazel syncs her accounts with Mint, a free tool that gives her a full picture of her finances. “Mint gives me real-time insights—like how much I’m spending on coffee or eating out. That awareness alone has saved me hundreds,” she says.
For investment tracking, she recommends Personal Capital, now known as Empower. “It’s great for seeing my net worth, retirement goals, and how my investments are doing—all in one dashboard,” Hazel shares.
When it comes to savings, she uses Qapital, a goal-based app that rounds up small purchases and moves the change into her savings. “It’s sneaky saving, and it adds up faster than I expected,” she laughs.
Hazel’s advice to others? “Try a few apps and see what works for you. Managing money doesn’t have to be boring or hard. It can be intuitive and even fun.”
